Older Adults Vaccines in South Tees
Protecting your health as you get older
As we get older, our immune system (the part of the body that fights off illness) doesn’t work as well as it used to.
This means it’s important to stay up to date with recommended vaccines to help protect your health.
People aged 65 and over are more likely to become very unwell from illnesses that vaccines can help prevent – such as flu, pneumonia, and shingles.
Staying protected is easier than you think – check today to see which vaccines you or your loved ones might need.
Flu vaccine (65+)
If you are aged 65 or over, you should have one flu vaccine every year, starting in September.
The flu vaccine helps to:
Lower your chance of getting the flu
Stop you from becoming seriously unwell if you do catch it
Getting your yearly flu vaccine is a simple and effective way to protect your health during flu season.
Find out more on the NHS Website - Flu
Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine (Age 65)
When you turn 65, you’ll be offered a one-off pneumococcal vaccine (also called the PPV vaccine).
This vaccine helps protect against 23 types of serious bacterial infections, including:
Pneumonia (a serious lung infection)
Meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord)
Sepsis (also known as blood poisoning)
Sinus and ear infections
Having this vaccine is a simple way to protect yourself from illnesses that can be very serious as we get older.
Find out more by visiting the NHS Website - Pneumococcal Vaccine
Shingles vaccine (65+)
You will be offered the shingles vaccine in two doses, given 6 to 12 months apart.
Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox and can be very painful. The vaccine helps protect you from getting shingles and from the complications it can cause.
Shingles can lead to:
a painful rash
long-lasting nerve pain
in some cases, hearing loss or blindness
Getting the shingles vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect your health as you get older.
Even if you’ve had chickenpox, you can still get the vaccine. For more information, visit the NHS Website - Shingles Vaccine
RSV vaccine (Ages 75 to 79)
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common virus that causes coughs and colds.
In older people, RSV can sometimes lead to more serious lung infections, like pneumonia.
If you are aged 75 to 79, you’ll be offered one dose of the RSV vaccine to help protect you.
This vaccine helps reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell from RSV and its complications.
For more information, check out the NHS Website - RSV Vaccine
COVID-19 boosters (75+)
If you are 75 or older, or live in a care home, you’ll be offered a COVID-19 booster in spring and autumn each year.
These boosters help keep your protection strong and reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell from COVID-19.
The NHS will contact you when it’s time for your appointment.
You can also visit pop-up clinics across South Tees.
For help finding a local clinic in Middlesbrough or Redcar & Cleveland, please email healthprotection@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Or, for more information, please visit the NHS Website - COVID-19 Vaccine
More information
Vaccines help you stay strong, independent, and well as you get older.
Don’t wait to be reminded, speak to your GP or local pharmacy about which vaccines you may be due.
You can also help a friend or family member check their vaccines – it’s a simple but powerful way to show you care.
Visit the NHS Website (vaccines and when to have them) for more information.